just a graze (open)

The clacking of her boots was heard in pronounced tones as the brunette walked into the barn. Immediately, a head stuck out of the stall luring her over to it and sticking her hand out in greeting. “Bonjour mon beau.” Dev murmured the French words, allowing her hand to run down the animals face. She had just arrived only a day ago, and while she was quite settled, Dev was not sure her lovely mount was as well. The horse was a gelding, perfectly calm and easy to deal with though his emotions did run like humans did at times. It was perhaps the main thing that captured her affection for her horse.

Taking the halter off the hook on the stall, Dev easily slid the door open and slipped the halter on before leading the animal out. The bay coat only held a little bit of visible dirt and she supposed she could take a quick ride around the facilities. To her grand excitement, she had seen a jumping ring as well as a track, though she wouldn’t be using that. Teitro, her horse had no place with the galloping Thoroughbreds. He did however pack a powerful jump, one that Dev was quite fond of using. Still, today was all about settling in and she wanted to take a pleasure ride.

Quickly grabbing out the animals, grooming equipment, Dev got to work. She flicked off the dirt on his back and picked out his hooves, taking care to work carefully around his sensitive nose as she did his face. Dev smiled up at him as the horse lifted his head in annoyance at the brush touching his face. He didn’t particularly care for her face brushing, especially since it tickled. Dev chuckled at her horse “Cheval de marrant.” she said softly before grabbing a bridle.

After about five minutes, Dev’s helmet was buckled in place and the horse had his bridle on. She had decided to go strictly bareback for this ride, having not done it for far too long. Easily the brunette led the animal to the mounting block and swung her leg over. Dev balanced her lithe frame on the animal’s broad back before giving him a soft nudge with her heels and pushing him toward the brightly lit trails.